抑え
Meanings
weight; paperweight; pressing down
Refers to a physical object used to hold something down, or the act of pressing down.
Please put a weight on the documents so they don't blow away.
control; keeping in check; exercising authority
Used for maintaining control over a situation, group, or system; often implies authority or restraint.
He is trusted as the one who keeps the team under control.
self-control; self-discipline; restraint
Refers to controlling one's own emotions, desires, or impulses.
I felt anger, but somehow I managed to keep my self-control.
Often used in sports or security contexts for a defensive role or measure that prevents the opponent from advancing.
He played an active role as the team's last line of defense.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に抑えを置くto put a weight on something to hold it down
I put a weight on the papers so they wouldn't blow away.
- 抑えが効くto have effective control (over a situation or group)
Thanks to his leadership, control over the organization is holding firm.
- 抑えが利かないto be unable to control oneself
I could no longer keep my anger under control.
- 抑えを任せるto entrust someone with the closer/defensive role
The manager entrusted the closer role to the young pitcher.
- 抑えを利かせるto exert control or restraint
The coach keeps the players firmly in check.
- 抑えとして登板するto take the mound as the closer
He took the mound as the closer in the ninth inning.